Suicide Warning Signs

Experts at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention say there is no one single cause of suicide, as it stems from a complex mental health issue. However, depression is the most common condition associated with suicide. Loved ones should be aware of these warning signs:

How they talk: A person may talk about about suicide or having no reason to live. They can describe feelings of being trapped or like a burden to others.

Behavior: Look for an increase in drug or alcohol use, whether the person is researching ways to kill himself, acting reckless, withdrawing and isolating himself, sleeping too much or too little or giving away possessions.

Mood: A person considering suicide often displays one or more of the following moods: depression, loss of interest, rage, irritability, humiliation or anxiety.

Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Resources

Here is a partial list of hotlines and websites that offer counseling and resources to help prevent suicide:

The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: Call the 24-hour hotline at 214-828-1000 to speak to a trained counselor, or go to www.sccenter.org.

Dallas Metrocare Services: 1-877-283-2121

Grace and Brian Loncar Foundation: The Loncar family recently set up this foundation to help teenagers and families minimize loss and suffering from youth mental illness and suicide. www.graceandbrianloncarfoundation.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Funds research and education programs and provides resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk. www.afsp.org.

National Alliance on Mental Illness: National grassroots mental health organization for people and families affected by mental illness. Resources and information at www.nami.org.